Diagnostics

Arm Squeeze Test: a new clinical test to distinguish neck from shoulder pain

S. Gumina, Stefano Carbone, P. Albino, M. Gurzi, F. Postacchini European Spine Journal July 2013, Volume 22, Issue 7, pp 1558-1563 Abstract Purpose Objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic values of the Arm Squeeze Test. The test consists in squeezing the middle third of the upper arm. Methods 1,567 patients were included […]

Diagnostic accuracy of history taking to assess lumbosacral nerve root compression

Annemieke J.H. Verwoerd, MD, MSc The Spine Journal Available online 8 December 2013 In Press Abstract Background Context The diagnosis of sciatica is primarily based on history and physical examination. Most physical tests used in isolation show poor diagnostic accuracy. Little is known about the diagnostic accuracy of history items. Purpose To assess the diagnostic accuracy […]

The effect of prior lumbar surgeries on the flexion relaxation phenomenon and its responsiveness to rehabilitative treatment

Randy Neblett, MA The Spine Journal: Available online 16 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background context Abnormal pretreatment flexion-relaxation in chronic disabling occupational lumbar spinal disorder patients has been shown to improve with functional restoration rehabilitation. Little is known about the effects of prior lumbar surgeries on flexion-relaxation and its responsiveness to treatment. Purpose To […]

Limited and Asymmetrical Fundamental Movement Patterns Predict Injury in American Football Players

Kiesel KB,et al J Sport Rehabil. 2013 Nov 14. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed Reference:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/24225032/ Affiliation Abstract CONTEXT: Previous injury is the strongest risk factor for future injury in sports. It has been proposed that motor control changes, such as movement limitation and asymmetry, associated with injury and pain may be perpetuated as part […]

Magnetic resonance imaging morphology and morphometry of the coccyx in coccydynia

Woon JT, Maigne JY, Perumal V, Stringer MD. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Nov 1;38(23):E1437-45. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182a45e07. Source *Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand †Service de Médecine Physique, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Paris Cedex, France. Abstract STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To determine if differences exists between the […]

Musculoskeletal physical outcome measures in individuals with tension-type headache

A scoping review Abboud J,et al. Cephalalgia. 2013 Dec;33(16):1319-36. doi: 10.1177/0333102413492913. Epub 2013 Jun 26. Abstract INTRODUCTION: Individuals with tension-type headache (TTH), in addition to headache pain, typically suffer from pericranial muscle tenderness and increased cervical muscle tone. Physical and physiological outcomes related to musculoskeletal function, however, are not commonly assessed in clinical studies and […]

Inter-session reliability of the measurement of the deep and superficial layer of lumbar multifidus in young asymptomatic people and patients with low back pain using ultrasonography

I-Shan Liu Manual Therapy Volume 18, Issue 6 , Pages 481-486, December 2013 Abstract Study design Reliability study. Objective To investigate the inter-session reliability of measuring the thickness of deep (dMF) and superficial layer of lumbar multifidus (sMF) using ultrasonography for participants with and without low back pain (LBP). Background The lumbar multifidus is an […]

Disc degeneration and chronic low back pain

An association which becomes nonsignificant when endplate changes and disc contour are taken into account Francisco M. Kovacs Neuroradiology:  November 2013 Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to assess the association between severe disc degeneration (DD) and low back pain (LBP). Methods A case–control study was conducted with 304 subjects, aged 35–50, recruited […]

MRI for diagnosing lumbar spinal pathology in adult patients with low back pain or sciatica

In conclusion, these poor results show that non-negligible numbers of LBP patients will be incorrectly diagnosed when MRI is used in isolation.

Distraction test of the (PSIS) in the diagnosis of sacroiliac joint arthropathy

Werner CM,et al. BMC Surg. 2013 Oct 31;13(1):52. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract BACKGROUND: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a frequently underestimated cause of lower back (LBP). A simple clinical test of sufficient validity would be desirable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a new PSIS distraction test for […]

Sensory findings after stimulation of the thoracolumbar fascia with hypertonic saline suggest its contribution to low back pain

Schilder A, et al. Pain. 2013 Sep 26. pii: S0304-3959(13)00522-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.09.025. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract Injection of hypertonic saline into deep tissues of the back (subcutis, muscle, or the surrounding fascia) can induce acute low back pain (LBP). So far, no study has analyzed differences in temporal, qualitative, and spatial pain characteristics originating […]

Calcium Score Beats Lipids for Telling CVD Risk

Published: Oct 22, 2013 | Updated: Oct 22, 2013 By Cole Petrochko, Staff Writer, MedPage Today Full Story:  http://www.medpagetoday.com/Cardiology/Atherosclerosis/42415 Action Points In this study of patients who were not on baseline medications for dyslipidemia, coronary artery calcium appeared to classify atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk better than counting lipid abnormalities. Across the spectrum of dyslipidemia, event rates […]

Review of methods used by chiropractors to determine the site for applying manipulation

John J Triano, Brian Budgell, Angela Bagnulo, Benjamin Roffey, Thomas Bergmann, Robert Cooperstein, Brian Gleberzon, Christopher Good, Jacquelyn Perron and Rodger Tepe Abstract (provisional) Background With the development of increasing evidence for the use of manipulation in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, there is growing interest in identifying the appropriate indications for care. Recently, attempts […]

CT, MRI Overused for Headache, Study Finds

Published: Oct 17, 2013 By Sarah Wickline Full Story:  http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ANA/42350 Action Points This study was published as an abstract and presented at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered to be preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. NEW ORLEANS — Despite current guidelines that recommend against CT or MRI for uncomplicated headaches, […]

Quantitative estimation of the high-intensity zone in the lumbar spine: Comparison between the symptomatic and asymptomatic population

Comparison between the symptomatic and asymptomatic population Chao Liu, PhD, MD Abstract Background context The high-intensity zone (HIZ) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been studied for more than 20 years, but its diagnostic value in low back pain (LBP) is limited by the high incidence in asymptomatic subjects. Little effort has been made to […]

Video: Does This Patient With Shoulder Pain Have Rotator Cuff Disease? JAMA

Video summary of the August 28, 2013 Rational Clinical Examination systematic review, “Does This Patient With Shoulder Pain Have Rotator Cuff Disease?” ARTICLE: Does This Patient With Shoulder Pain Have Rotator Cuff Disease?: The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review Hermans J, Luime JJ, Meuffels DE, Reijman M, Simel DL, Bierma-Zeinstra SA. JAMA. 2013;310(8):837-847. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.276187. JAMA Website:  http://jama.jamanetwork.com/multimediaPlayer.aspx?mediaid=5975016

Impact of imaging guidelines on x-ray utilization among American Provider Network chiropractors

Interrupted time series analysis André E. Bussières, DC, MSc, PhD Abstract Background Context Overuse and misuse of spine x–rays for non-specific back and neck pain persists among chiropractors. Distribution of educational materials among physicians results in small to modest improvements in appropriate care such as ordering spine x-rays, but little is known about its impact […]

Iatrogenic Consequences of Early Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Acute, Work-Related, Disabling Low Back Pain

Webster, Barbara S. BSPT, PA-C; Bauer, Ann Z. MPH; Choi, YoonSun MA; Cifuentes, Manuel MD, MPH, ScD; Pransky, Glenn S. MD, MOccH Spine . 38(22):1939–1946, 15 October 2013. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182a42eb6 Abstract Study Design. Retrospective cohort study. Objective. To determine the effect of early (receipt ≤30 d postonset) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on disability and medical […]

Measuring limb length discrepancy using pelvic radiographs: the most reproducible method

The most reproducible method. Heaver C, et al. S Hip Int. 2013 Aug 9;23(4):391-394. doi: 10.5301/hipint.5000042. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract Leg length inequality following total hip replacement remains common. In an effort to reduce this occurrence, surgeons undertake pre-operative measurements, templating and use various forms of intraoperative measurements, including computer navigation. This study aims […]

MRI of the SI joints commonly shows non-inflammatory disease in patients clinically suspected of sacroiliitis

Jans L,et al. Eur J Radiol. 2013 Oct 16. pii: S0720-048X(13)00530-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.10.001. [Epub ahead of print] Affiliation Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Electronic address: lennartjans@hotmail.com. Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of clinically relevant non-inflammatory disease on MRI of the sacroiliac (SI) joints in […]